So many books, so little time.
This list will grow, as I remember the things I’ve read which are brilliant, or at least worth the time they took to consume. I had categories but it was too hard to choose where to put them. So you’ll just have to scan down the list!
The Lean Startup: How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses
If you’re building a product or service for users or customers, I recommend you read this immediately. One the best books I’ve ever read providing a practical methology (which when you accept it, is actually just common sense) to building what your customers or users actually want. Having learnt the hard way by doing it wrong, I wish I’d read this book 15 years ago and it’s provided a concrete backup to the recommendations I make to early stage start-ups today. If you’re not yet convinced, read this sample “Are you building the right product?” from Techcrunch and a video from Techcrunch TV and another interview on TC.
Awesome book about brands, practical tips and wonderfully designed
Maverick
Read about the remarkable real world example of giving staff autonomy and responsibility; even choosing their own salary.
Communities Dominate Brands, 2004
A staple on the students shelf, this was WAY before it’s time, the grand-daddy book of much of what makes up the so-called ‘social media revolution’ today. Look out for a follow-up in months to come.
Forget talent, just practise, a lot. 10,000 hours infact, to become an expert. Fascinating and an easy read.
Influence: Science and Practice
Designing a consumer product or service? This is an insanely valuable read. Buy it right now.
Usability: Rocket Surgey Made Easy
Both of Steve Krugs books I’ve read are great; seriously, designing a website? Invest the $10
Napoleon Hills keys to Success
I’ve never been huge on “self help” books, but as this sector goes, you’d do worse than this. Re-edited from original copy written in the 30′s and 40′s it is all relevant today. If only I could memorise this entire book and apply everything every day. If you’re going to get one like this, get this one.
Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions
As a repeated co-founder, I’ve never read this thoroughly; but I have given it as a gift and the feedback was that it is brilliant. ‘Nuff said.
One of the very best all-rounder books for someone who has never run a start-up; and in fact a good reminder of what is really important for all of us who have!
Want an MBA? forget it – you’re better off just going building and breaking things. This is a compendium of the thoughts of the best business builders in the world, their books concentrated into the core ethos, enabling the everyday reader to easily understand these hugely influential management ideas and how they changed the face of modern-day business. Disclaimer: I wrote two chapters!
Loved the lean start up! Such a must for all entrepreneurs!